How to Recharge Without Going on Vacation

With the holidays in the rearview mirror, many of us can’t help but feel a little drained. It’s like we need time off after having time off, which isn’t usually possible. As we get further into the New Year, work is undoubtedly starting to ramp up again.

If you’re feeling a bit burnt out and need to recharge, there are plenty of ways to do this from the comfort of your own home, or even the office. Don’t worry about packing a bag; the following can help you reinvigorate your mind and body:

Unplug. Do you unplug while on vacation? You can also do the same when at home. Scheduling a “digital detox” and turning off your computer and phone is one of the easiest ways to give yourself some time to disengage from the day and recharge. Sure, you’ll probably feel a little lost at first, but it’ll give you the opportunity to focus on other things, like a hobby, exercise, or just reading a book.

Make a routine of the un-routine. A routine is all well and good, as it can help you stay productive, but it can also get monotonous and lead to feeling like you’re in a rut. Shake up your day and do something you wouldn’t ordinarily do like test drive your dream car, take a different route to work, eat somewhere new, or even say “yes” to everything for an entire day. Small changes can make all the difference.

Head outdoors. Sunny days do more than just boost your mood — they increase the level of serotonin, which leads to feelings of satisfaction and calmness. If you feel in need of a recharge, don’t work through lunch. Instead, use the time to take a walk outside. Better yet, wake up early and do the same before heading into the office.

Act like a tourist. Chances are, somebody visits the place you live while on vacation. If not, then probably a town or city nearby. Take in the sights like a tourist. Visit museums, indulge in a dinner out on the town, or tour some landmarks. Just because you didn’t hop on a plane and book a hotel doesn’t change the fact that you likely live somewhere with just as much to do as anywhere else.

Offload the grind. The problem with weekends is that you’re probably surrounded by all the things you didn’t get done during the week. Dirty laundry anyone? When away from the office, it isn’t all that revitalizing to spend the whole time doing work. Look for ways to offload some of your more taxing or tedious chores. If you’ve got kids, consider roping them into lending a hand. Or, try to get everything done in one day to give yourself the full other day to really decompress.

Indulge. No one can deny that you work hard all week long. So, don’t you deserve to pamper yourself once in a while? Ask yourself if there’s something you’ve been putting off, be it a purchase or an experience. Maybe it’s a spa day, or playing a round of golf. Whatever it is, just do it. Even the smallest of indulgences can help refresh the soul and make you feel good inside.

Let your brain roam. Ever notice how your best ideas often come to you in the shower? That’s because you unknowingly let your mind wander. When you spend most of the day with your mind locked into logical thinking, you should take the time to let it be free to roam. Roaming is like daydreaming, which can have a ripple effect throughout the entire body and bring a relaxed state of being. You’ll be surprised how good you’ll feel after.

Recharging your battery is all about making time for yourself — and time, as they say, doesn’t cost a thing — or maybe that’s love. Either way, you deserve to take a break from time to time, and it’s totally possible even when you can’t get away.

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